Summary : Explore the mythical White Continent. Sail through the famous Drake Passage and reach the Polar Front, marking the meeting of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Arrive in Neko Bay, discovered by the Belgian explorer, Adrien de Gerlache. The ancient whaling station of Deception Island will reveal its colony of Chinstrap Penguins. Sail through waters often populated by killer whales, humpback whales and other cetaceans – one of the many amazing sights on this this remarkable journey.

Activities : Birding, Child-Friendly, Hiking

PRICING

Board a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. Considered to be the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra del Fuego, lying at the very tip of Argentina looking out over the Beagle Channel. This surprising little town of 45,000 people is surrounded by mountains and fertile plains. The first populations of this land were nomadic hunter-gatherers, who arrived on foot on Isla Grande more than 10,000 years ago. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the Tierra del Fuego National Park with its remarkable plant and wildlife, including beavers, albatross, guanacos and penguins. Here, forests cover the lower slopes of the Andean mountains which are crowned with snow-capped peaks – a unique and unforgettable sight.

Crossing the Drake is a rite of passage and commences your journey to the White Continent. Located exactly between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage extends over 800 kilometers from Cape Horn to Livingston Island. You may have plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities including sea birds such as petrels and albatross that follow in your wake. Attend lectures on the history, environment and wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula in preparation for your first excursions.

Visiting Antarctica means exploring the largest, wildest and most extreme of all the continents; discover a land dominated by white, a mysterious stretch of ice with seemingly infinite nuances of color. At the gateway to this final frontier, surrounded by the vast expanse of sea ice, get as close as possible to the most unspoiled nature and vast animal colonies. Set off to meet peaceful penguins, the emblem of these icy regions, and journey through their colonies with their constant movement to and from the sea. During your trip, you may encounter majestic humpback whales whose huge and powerful blue tail fins pound the surface of the water. Dependent upon sea and ice conditions, your expedition explores a variety of destinations, including Paradise Bay, Pleneau Island, Port Lockroy, Deception Island and the Weddell Sea.

Neko – Paradise BayDeep in Andvord Bay, find this little corner of paradise at the foot of an immense glacier. Neko Bay is one of the most beautiful sights of the Antarctic Peninsula. It was discovered by the Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache during his 1897-99 Antarctic expedition. Mountains, snow, ice and unspoiled nature combine to offer a unique landscape. Wildlife is as abundant as it is exceptional: sea birds such as gulls, Cape Petrels and Cormorants, as well as marine mammals including seals, orcas and whales. Excursions aboard Zodiacs allow you to sail close to blue icebergs or disembark near colonies of penguins, observe leopard seals basking on the shore or watch the Antarctic Terns flying overhead.

Deception IslandNestled at the heart of the South Shetland Islands, in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island is easy to recognize for its horseshoe shape. This island was once an active volcano whose crater collapsed some 10,000 years ago, producing a caldera which was then flooded by the sea, creating a natural port. Entrance to the port is via a narrow channel called Neptune’s Bellows. For a long time, this was an important whaling port and the intensity of this activity has left traces that have withstood time. On the black sand of the volcanic beaches, there are remains of abandoned huts that have been overrun by the extraordinary wildlife. It is on these beaches of ash that the largest colony of Chinstrap Penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula has taken up residence. Excursions aboard Zodiac will allow you to set foot on this expanse of land where more than 100,000 pairs of penguins nest.

Disembark in Ushuaia, Argentina and board a charter flight back to Buenos Aires.

Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Included:Flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires in Economy-class; meet and greet by your representatives in Ushuaia and luggage direct transfer from the airport to the ship for port clearance; choice between one full day tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park with lunch included and escort of English Speaking local guide OR direct transfer to the port for embarkation, buffet lunch and access to the Main Lounge (cabins/suites will not be accessible before 5pm); all meals on board the ship; Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; luggage transfer from pier to the ship and vice versa; mineral water, tea, filter coffee, a selection of white, red and rosé wines offered during meals, afternoon tea; open bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands - list available upon request); port and safety taxes; boot rental; crew gratuities; 24 hour room service (special selection); parka. Subject to change without notice.

Le Lyrial Antarctica

Overview : A Superb mega-yacht with 122 cabins accommodating up to 199 passengers. Le Lyrial features French sophistication in an atmosphere that melds a subtle blend of luxury with intimacy and well-being. Superior materials, discreet elegance and a tasteful decor combined with exterior and interior lines to reflect a nautical mood, subtly revisited. On board, a palette of blues, ranging from the luminous delicate grey-blue of polar ice to splashes of the vivid turquoise blue found in Mediterranean coves. Le Lyrial's convenient layout has ample public spaces, including two restaurants, a lecture theater, a library with extensive selection of books and DVDs, a full-service salon, steam rooms, spa, fitness center and three passenger elevators for easy accessibility. The knowledgeable expedition staff of Le Lyrial promote a spirit of adventure through excellent lectures and expertly-led shore excursions.

Cabin Description : The ship features 122 outside cabins and suites, with bedding configurations ranging from king-sized beds to two single beds. Cabin amenities include a mini bar, safe, satellite TV, iPod player, climate control, WiFi, satellite direct-line telephone. Private bath has a shower, hair dryer, bathrobes and French toiletries. Twenty-four-hour room service is available throughout your cruise.

Bill M.

Austin, TX Dec 2014

Antarctic Peninsula

Luxury Expedition Ship
Le Soleal

Our trip to Antarctica was amazing. The beauty of the "White Continent" is breathtaking. The Zodiac landings and subsequent exploration added immensely to our enjoyment and adventure and made the overall experience one we will never forget. We were very impressed with the staff's dedication to helping the passengers thoroughly enjoy every one of the trip's activities.
The trip definitely exceeded our expectations. The team made everything so easy and enjoyable and of course the incomparable beauty of Antarctica did the rest. Jessica and Jennifer made our planning for this trip extremely easy. They were always available to answer our every question. Friendly, courteous and timely responses to our questions made us feel comfortable with the whole process.

David F.

Las Vegas, NV Dec 2013

Antarctic Peninsula

Luxury Expedition Ship
L'Austral Antarctica

Always wanted to see Antarctica, and travel to that area. The level of service was terrific.

George R.

Rochester, NY Nov 2013

Antarctic Peninsula

Luxury Expedition Ship
L'Austral Antarctica

Seeing the penguins up close and personal, all the rest of the wildlife, seals, whales, various birds and the incredible scenery. We also met some great fellow travelers, like-minded people from various parts of the world.

On a scale of 1 to 10 it was an 11. Everyone, from the cabin attendants to the Captain, was very accomodating and professional throughout the trip. Dining room wait staff, the expediton guides and entertainers were exceptional and catered to every need. Various members of the ship staff gave extra attention to my 13 year old grandson, by far the youngest member of the trip, and helped provide him with an experience he will cherish for the rest of his life.

Payment Policy

Deposit: 25% of the total cruise price to confirm your reservation

Final Payment: Due 90 days prior to departure

Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All modifications or cancellations must be in writing (registered mail or email with proof of delivery). Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy. These cancellation penalties are applicable to all services booked through the shipping company.

Antarctica and Arctic 2015: Up to 91 days: 25% of full fare90-76 days: 50% of full fare75-61 days: 75% of full fareLess than 61 days: 100% of full fare